Friends of Downtown

Support Downtown Bend’s increasing vitality by donating to the Friends of Downtown!

The Downtown Bend Business Association formed in 1982 as a private nonprofit & serves over 325 businesses & 85 property owners in the downtown district.

Our mission is to improve the economic vitality by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of Downtown Bend.

The DBBA is funded primarily by the Economic Improvement District (EID) created in May of 2012 by City of Bend ordinance to improve and maintain downtown. The EID was approved by a vote of the 96% of the property owners who elected to annually assess themselves 18 cents per square foot of commercial space. In May of 2015, the EID passed again this time with 100% approval at the same rate of 18 cents.

The DBBA responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Funding and maintenance of 100 flower baskets and 50 planters.

Snow removal – 42 inches wide clear path of Downtown sidewalks and crosswalks for employees, visitors and customers to get around safely. The record snowfall for 2016-17 was a challenge but made easier due to our purchase of 2 snow blowers, 10 additional snow shovels, 500+ pounds of ice melt, and a crew of 10+ temporary employees on heavy snow days.

Daily sidewalk cleaning, sweeping, and debris removal. As necessary, spot pressure washing and other deep cleaningincluding graffiti removal. We now have a person cleaning earlier in the morning (by 7am) every single day of the year to make sure Downtown looks its best.

Create the Downtown Bend Holiday experience, through events such as the Community Tree Lighting, Shop Small Saturday, and free visits with Santa. We also provide tree lights, decorations, and wreaths. New for 2016/17 ,were the tree canopy twinkle lights and Winter-themed “Welcome to Downtown Bend” banners. More new Downtown decorations to come next year, including lit snowflakes on all the lampposts.

Banner installation and maintenance, as well as maintaining and reconditioning benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks as needed.

Marketing Downtown to promote business, including working with organizations like the City of Bend, Bend Chamber, Visit Bend, Old Mill, Central Oregon Visitors Association, Here & Now, Bend Bulletin, KTVZ and The Source. We also coordinate with visiting groups and tours to provide welcome bags to incentivize their spending time and money Downtown.

Produce events: Bend Oktoberfest, by far our largest fundraising event, is now in its 13th year, drawing 12,000 attendees in 2016. It underwent a complete rebrand with expanded merchandise opportunities. This event connects us with over 20 different sponsor businesses including 11 local breweries each year.

Marketing each individual business, including online business portfolios on our website, featured news stories, and social media support.

We maintain the Downtown Dollar Gift Certificate program. Last year, over $67,000 dollars in Downtown Dollars were purchased through DBBA and other agencies, including Visit Bend. Downtown Dollars are accepted at over 150 Downtown Business, and encourages local spending.

Small Business Advocacy on larger community issues, working closely with City of Bend officials and Bend Police Department. (parking, garbage, transients, bike lanes)

Continued expansion, growth, and vision for Downtown Bend. Partners include City of Bend, Commute Options, Bend 2030, Marketing Partners and businesses beyond our current EID.

We produce Newsletters, brochures, maps and directories for Downtown Bend.

The vast majority of DBBA funding comes from this EID. Additional funding is derived from grants, sponsorships, marketing partnerships, and fundraisers like our annual Bend Oktoberfest.

The Board of Directors oversees staff and makes policy decisions that determine the direction of the EID and the DBBA. The Board, comprised of property and business owners, holds monthly meetings on the second Wednesday of the month. The DBBA welcomes input and encourages anyone invested in downtown to attend.

FRIENDS OF DOWNTOWN BEND CREATED

The recent creation of the Friends of Downtown Bend, a non-profit organization, took place this Fall in order to provide an opportunity for individuals to donate to the DBBA activities. As a 501c3, these individual donations will now be tax deductible. Anticipated donations include contributions to the DBBA’s flower basket program, holiday decorating, general clean-up, and future projects.

“We really believe with donations being tax-deductible, more individuals will be inclined to donate to the good work happening in Downtown Bend.” said Rick Wright, president of the Friends of Downtown Bend. “Over the years, we have heard from many community members that it would be helpful if their donations were tax deductible.”

These funds will allow Friends of Downtown Bend to further their mission of adding to the economic vitality of Downtown Bend through beatification efforts and special projects like holiday decorating. With the holiday season upon us and end of year donation considerations, the Friends of Downtown Bend is now accepting donations of any amount.

“A flower basket costs about $60, one hour of Downtown Bend cleaning is $25, and a string of Holiday Lights is $15, so even a small donation can go a long way to making Downtown Bend clean and beautiful.” said Rod Porsche, Executive Director of the Downtown Bend Business Association.

This new group will work directly with the Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA).

Donate Today & Watch Downtown Bend Thrive!

Downtown Bend

Our mission is to improve the economic vitality by enhancing the experience, image and lifestyle of Downtown Bend.